Global Business Connecting the Dots
 
As we have commented in earlier editions of the ClimateBiz newsletter, global business is playing an increasingly important role in cutting through some of the national political challenges presented by arriving at a new global climate deal.
 
For some companies, this means capturing the benefits of tackling emissions (a.k.a. "waste," a.k.a. "cost") in their global supply chains, enjoying the efficiencies that result without regard to whose national "balance sheet" the accounting benefits accrue to in a post-Kyoto regime.

Others, such as IBM, with its Congestion Charging System for traffic in Stockholm, and HP, with ambitious goals for further improving the energy efficiency of it products, are demonstrating the potential of deploying advanced private sector technology solutions to support government efforts to tackle emissions without regard to "boundaries." Last but not least, aviation -- that most global of industries -- is taking increasingly aggressive steps to reduce its impacts independently of potential political outcomes.
 
While all eyes are focused (appropriately) on the prospects for real progress in Copenhagen, a quieter but no less important revolution is gathering force.

Eric Olson is senior vice president of advisory services at BSR.

The Carbon Disclosure Project's 2009 research charts what the world's largest companies are doing to battle climate change. 

EDF details results of its survey of the 300 largest corporate fleets in the U.S. and members of the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association in an effort to help firms benchmark their fleet emissions.
 

How can companies ensure that their messages comply with legal requirements, customer expectations, and effective marketing strategies? Join a conversation among a panel of experts moderated by GreenBiz.com executive editor Joel Makower, including Stephen Wenc, president of UL Environment, and Suzanne Shelton, president of the Shelton Group, and Brooks Beard, a partner at Morrison & Foerster, about the ins and outs of green marketing effectively and legally in today's marketplace.